(LEAD) N. Korea fires six short-range projectiles into East Sea

SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korea fired six short-range projectiles into the East Sea on Thursday, apparently in anger over the United Nations' adoption of its harshest-ever resolution punishing Pyongyang for its recent nuclear and long-range rocket tests, officials said.

The projectiles were fired from Wonsan, a port city along the east coast, at around 10:00 a.m. They fell into the East Sea, according to Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun and military officials.

The ministry is investigating the launch of the missiles to uncover more details, including the type of projectiles used, the officials said.

Sources say the projectiles could be 300 millimeter rockets or short range missiles. They said the projectiles flew 100 to 150 kilometers before falling into the sea.

The latest launch marks the first time this year that the North fired off short-range projectiles in a show of force. The move comes just hours after the U.N. Security Council adopted the harshest-ever sanctions on North Korea in New York.

Resolution 2270 requires new, mandatory inspections of all cargo going into and out of the North and bans North Korea's exports of coal, iron and other mineral resources, a key source of hard currency that accounts for nearly half of the country's total exports.

"The short-range projectile launch could be followed by additional provocations," a military source said, adding that the military is on the alert for all possibilities.